Sat Apr 26 07:12:21 UTC 2025: ## Iraqi Farmers Turn to Groundwater to Combat Drought, Raising Sustainability Concerns

**Najaf, Iraq –** Facing increasingly severe droughts and desertification, Iraqi farmers are increasingly relying on groundwater to sustain agriculture, a practice raising concerns about long-term water sustainability. A government initiative offering subsidized irrigation and land leases at a nominal cost has spurred the expansion of desert farming, particularly in the Najaf region.

Farmers like Hadi Saheb report significant increases in land cultivated and harvest yields thanks to groundwater access and the adoption of modern, water-efficient irrigation techniques like center-pivot systems. The Agriculture Ministry reports that 3.1 million dunums (775,000 hectares) were cultivated this winter using groundwater and modern irrigation, surpassing the area irrigated by the dwindling Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Najaf’s desert farming is particularly successful, with projected wheat yields exceeding those from river-irrigated areas. Even religious institutions are participating, expanding desert farming operations.

However, experts warn of the unsustainable nature of this approach. Groundwater levels are declining rapidly, with wells now needing to be dug far deeper than in the past. The lack of updated data on groundwater reserves hinders effective resource management. Concerns are echoed by the United Nations, which highlights the depletion of aquifers worldwide, including those shared by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The experience of Saudi Arabia, which depleted over 80% of its groundwater reserves for wheat cultivation before halting the practice, serves as a stark warning.

Water experts urge a shift towards more responsible groundwater use, suggesting it should be reserved for emergency drought relief to ensure food security, not to expand commercial farming. The current reliance on groundwater as a primary agricultural resource is deemed unsustainable unless strict conservation measures are implemented.

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